Jim Palmer delivers during a shutout of the Kansas City Royals in 1969. The Orioles finished the season 109-53, but ultimately fell to the New York Mets in the World Series.

Jim Palmer delivers during a shutout of the Kansas City Royals in 1969. The Orioles finished the season 109-53, but ultimately fell to the New York Mets in the World Series. (Paul Hutchins/Baltimore Sun Photo)

Frank Robinson reveals himself as Superman to a laughing Curt Blefary, who had told his New York teammates that they could overtake Baltimore because the Orioles didn't have a big red "S" on their shirts. The Orioles finished the season 108-54 and went on to win their second World Series title,...

Frank Robinson reveals himself as Superman to a laughing Curt Blefary, who had told his New York teammates that they could overtake Baltimore because the Orioles didn't have a big red "S" on their shirts. The Orioles finished the season 108-54 and went on to win their second World Series title,... (William Hotz/Baltimore Sun File Photo)

Frank Robinson (second from left) and his 1971 Orioles teammates Don Buford, Brooks Robinson, and Paul Blair (left to right) gather around the ball Robinson pounded for his 2,500th major league hit. The Orioles finished the season 101-57 and went on to sweep Oakland in the League Championship...

Frank Robinson (second from left) and his 1971 Orioles teammates Don Buford, Brooks Robinson, and Paul Blair (left to right) gather around the ball Robinson pounded for his 2,500th major league hit. The Orioles finished the season 101-57 and went on to sweep Oakland in the League Championship... (Baltimore Sun File Photo)

Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel throws out the first pitch as Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer (left) looks on during Opening Day in 1973. The Orioles finished the season 97-65 before falling to Oakland in five games in the League Championship Series.

Maryland Gov. Marvin Mandel throws out the first pitch as Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer (left) looks on during Opening Day in 1973. The Orioles finished the season 97-65 before falling to Oakland in five games in the League Championship Series. (Baltimore Sun File Photo)

With the Orioles in first place in September for the first time since 1997, here's a look back at past Baltimore clubs that finished the regular season atop the standings. Like the new Orioles Insider Facebook page for O's news, analysis and more.